The Ultimate Guide to Logistics Management

Technology is consistently growing and changing. While most of the changes are for the better, they do tend to be disruptive for the logistics and overall supply chain processes. However, logistics have become more efficient, which has adjusted the way materials, goods, freight, sales orders, inventory, and production are monitored.

Efficiency and speed quickly became the deciding factor for logistics to introduce a new approach to deal with the increased demand and complex processes. An applicable solution that manages the flow of the processes so that the correct product reaches the customer in a timely manner.

When incorporating the Logistics Software, the whole core of the logistical operations is shortened, which takes away from the headaches that may arise in the process. Organizations that research logistics management software statistically has seen better end results than organizations that have not. They have also noticed incredible improvements in process, operations, and delivery.

A Summary of Logistics Software

To be able to understand how the logistics software works, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about logistics management as well.

Logistics is the inclusion of the flow of things from the point of origin to the point of consumption, usually general customers or businesses. The choice of vendors, transportation, routes, and delivery methods reflect an important component of logistical operations.

Logistics Management takes part in the supply chain that is used for planning and implementation to store and delivering goods and services to the customer. It arranges many key components of the supply chain ranging from the development of products to being commercialized.

The Logistics Management System Consists Of:

• Inbound and outbound transportation management

• Warehouse management

• Fleet management

• Processing orders

• Inventory control

• Managing third-party logistics service providers

• Planning supply and demand

In short, Logistics Management is a complementing set of functions including production planning, sourcing, procurement, packaging, and dispatching.

It also includes searching for the correct way to deliver goods and services to the end customer. Inbound and outbound traffic is also crucial for logistics management. Inbound controls the overall flow of raw materials from each supplier to the warehouse and then eventually production. When products are transferred from the warehouse to production that is outbound logistics.

Negatives of Logistics Management

While there are many positives about logistics, however logistics is susceptible to several issues. Ironically most of the issues that occur are due to simple human errors or other factors, like weak decisions that could result in delayed delivery or transport of goods which then leads to dissatisfied customers.

On top of that, an additional negative that logistics usually face is safety in the transport of goods. This is because the goods can become damaged or faulty if they are not handled properly while in transit. The increase in fuel charges is also a big issue when it comes to logistics.

Now what are the positives of Logistics Software?

Refined transportation

Relying on logistics software will help control the various transportation means and leverage data. This allows for simpler analysis for a company to utilize while making relative decisions for maximum efficiency.

Quicker delivery

Logistics software will interfere with the production cycle of a product by choosing the correct shipping service mid-process, which will shorten any delays to a large extent.

Minimized chance for human errors

With logistics software, data can be processed easier without errors in less time. This is an easy push forward for the operations because there is zero chance for a delay.

Automated functions

Automation reduces excess paperwork, which assists in dealing with processes more efficiently.

Lower costs

Saving is a big part of logistics software. With the software, you are able to compare various shipping services, delivery agents, and transportation methods to find the one with the lowest cost. Logistics also helps with lowering the cost of expedited shipments.

With every logistics management software, there are crucial components that are a requirement for the best software configuration.

1. Compatible with Multi-Client Architecture

2. Forecasting

3. Finance integration

4. Inventory tracking

5. Customizable interface

6. CRM

7. Bill of Lading Creation

Logistics are being enforced to be at the beginning of business operations, which means that utilizing the correct technology is important. While also making your business compatible with the ever-changing environment.

Outsourcing to a software development vendor will assist with the deployment of scalable software for logistics management for your whole supply chain operation. A global software solution provider like ISU Corp can give you an advantage of custom logistics solutions tailored to your exact requirements.

Reach out to one of our experts at ISU to get started, or if you have any questions!

How To Choose The Ideal Cloud Service Model For Your Business

Over the years Cloud computing has evolved drastically and is becoming the primary source for computing. What this implies is the adaptability of your business to fit within the cloud model.

If you miss out on it, your business will be left behind, especially on the technology front. Today, technology is a necessity, and next to impossible to avoid getting involved in.

As soon as you register for a cloud service model like SaaS, IaaS, or Paas, you can increase the number of possibilities, bringing in flexibility and efficiency that encourages business growth. An overall cloud platform like InfinCE will always be useful especially when looking for a seamless approach of power when running an efficient business in a secure environment.

With a steady adoption of cloud services, businesses have had the opportunity to discover how to implement them into their entire range of operations. Application development with cloud computing is an extensive process, but it is a flexible and affordable way to incorporate the cloud service models.

Having said that, there are many additional leading programs and models within the information technology industry now in competition for cloud service delivery.

Alongside the incorporation of Cloud Adoption, there are 3 major advantages to it, and here they are:

1. Scalability

Each cloud service allows for efficient scaling up and down of the computing resources to allow for adjustments.

2. Affordability

You will pay significantly less for a cloud service because it eliminates extra costs that come with any upgrades or maintenance that may occur.

3. Security

By registering for a cloud service, you are agreeing to make your data more secure by using industry grade security protocols.

If you have ever thought about the future of your business and making it more compelling, then cloud is the way to go. The next question is, which cloud computing service will fit your specific business requirements?

The 3 types of cloud service models and their benefits are:

Each model has its own collection of benefits that will serve the requirements of multiple businesses. Making the choice of one, requires a solid understanding of each cloud model, evaluating your requirements, and knowing how the chosen model will deliver the specific set of workflows.

1. SaaS

Otherwise known as ‘Software as a Service’ is the model that is specific to quick access for cloud-based web applications. The vendor will control the whole computing stack, which is accessible through a web browser. All of these applications operate through the cloud on a paid licensed subscription or free limited access.

A few examples of SaaS include the Google G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, etc.  

Benefits of SaaS include affordability, it’s available anywhere and it’s ready to use immediately. You should opt-in for SaaS because transferring information and scheduling meetings are made easier. However, SaaS is more geared toward small-scale businesses that don’t necessarily have the resources to afford on-premises hardware.

2. IaaS

Known as ‘Infrastructure as a Service’ a model offering a virtual arrangement of computing resources on the cloud. An IaaS will provide you an array of computing infrastructures like storage, servers, networking hardware with maintenance, and support.

A few examples of IaaS include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.

Benefits of IaaS include minimal costs, upgraded scalability, and easy deployment. Opting in to IaaS gives you the most flexibility out of all the cloud models, as well as it is the best option when it comes to IT hardware infrastructure. It is the correct option for you if your business requires control for the hardware infrastructure like in managing and customizing for your requirements.

The downside to IaaS is it is the most expensive of SaaS and PaaS.

 3. PaaS

Is known as ‘Platform as a Service’ a model that offers a cloud base where you can develop, test, and organize the various applications for your business.

By incorporating PaaS into your applications, it makes the process easier for enterprise software development. It allows for a virtual runtime environment for a preferred space when developing or testing applications.

A few examples of PaaS include Google App Engine, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Benefits of PaaS include minimal development time, support for multiple programming languages, and increased collaboration. PaaS is the preferred option if your project requires multiple developers and vendors. Incorporating PaaS allows you to easily customize applications while it leases all the important computing and networking resources.

PaaS simplifies the process for app development, which then minimizes the organizational costs.

In short, every Cloud Service Model has their benefits, SaaS works best for cloud-based email, CRM, or productivity, IaaS works best if you want a virtual computing base, and PaaS is best for development and software testing.

If you have any additional questions or want to get started with cloud service models, reach out to one of our experts at ISU Corp!

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE AGILE AUTOMATED BUILD PROCESS

Have you ever thought about the steps it takes to create and deploy the code for a custom application?

Especially now since we want more and more automated, the step-by-step process has become increasingly more popular.

Here are the 5 steps for an Automate Build Process:

1. Write and upload pieces of Code

When our programmers are busy creating your customized application on their own computer, that is not properly executed, because what happens if the system crashes? There have been too many instances previously where work has been lost or almost lost forever.

To prevent this from happening, we get our programmers to upload the code regularly to a central source for a code repository. It’s basically a holding zone or database for our code.

2. Analyze the Code for Issues

With the code being in the database, we can then check-in for any common issues. There are many tools that can make that happen, based on the programming language used. Commonly we use JS Hint, FxCop, and Code Duplication Checkers.

We like scanners because they are an automatic way to continuously monitor the code before it is deployed.

3. Consolidate the code into one file

Once the code has been scanned, we will consolidate it. In this step, we will change the programmer’s commands to something that functions with your desktop, mobile device, or browser. We can also utilize scripts to help create the database tables, test data, and stored procedures.

4. Run automation tests

Conclusively, we are now ready for the automated tests. When working with a website application, scripts load the browser automatically and will land on a specific page. With the automated tests, we will test how things work on that page.

There are hundreds of automated tests for each specific application. The overall application quality exponentially improves when the automation tests are run daily.

5. Report any problems

With anything, there can be hiccups that arise. However, when an automated test detects a problem, the development team will receive immediate notification and will efficiently repair it. 

The result of this is essentially bug-free code throughout the entire development process.

When tests are done manually to detect new issues, we will develop a new automated test exclusively for that issue.

Selenium is our preferred software testing structure for easy user interface automated tests.

With the automated build process, the biggest thing coming from it is quick problem-solving. Incorporating this process so frequently results in a significantly reduced time that is required to go back and discover where the problems have occurred from.

This allows us to dedicate our time and resources to developing new and pre-existing features further. While also providing you with an inexpensive option when it comes to choosing a problem-solving method.

We hope this gave you a better understanding of the automated build process. If you have any further questions or want to get started reach out to one of our experts at ISU Corp!